Promotion of dairy marketing using farmers' cooperatives: Lessons from India

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This paper discusses the importance of smallholder dairy marketing cooperatives as a strategy to promote the dairy sub sector based on the lessons learned from the Anand pattern of dairy cooperative movement, which was later replicated throughout India. Apart from the history in India, this paper identifies the factors that contributed to the success of the Anand pattern, and then suggests what can be done in Ethiopia. Involvement of the government at every step of the Development was very useful for the expansion of the dairy cooperatives in India. In some parts of Ethiopia, some form of organised marketing of milk is already present: The Anand pattern of dairy Development can be emulated at least around the major milk shades, for instance around Nazareth, Dire Dawa, Harar, Bahir Dar, Gondar, Awassa, Jima and Assela. As demonstrated in India, dairy marketing cooperatives could provide farmers with continuous milk outlet, and easy access to essential inputs, such as AI, veterinary services and formula feeds. Generally dairy cooperatives help to trigger a series of positive Developments in the sub sector; hence strengthening the existing group milk marketing activities and formation of new cooperatives in different parts of the country is well justified.